America's Middle Class is in Bad Financial Shape: Here's How Real Estate Can Help
The middle class in America is in bad financial shape. Without a great plan and the right financial tools, most are going to never enjoy the lifestyle they dream of or be able to provide their kids with the life and opportunities they hoped to.Think about this. Much of America is fighting back against the idea of a $15 per hour minimum wage. Yet even at double that $30,000 a year income, most families will be hard pressed to afford an average apartment in many U.S. cities. Even some earning $250,000 a year are finding they can barely make ends meet between mortgage, healthcare, and taxes.The above just covers the tip of the iceberg in trying to survive. What about retirement? The latest figures show that not even many of the top 10% savers and investors have enough in IRAs or 401Ks to retire well or with confidence. The bottom half really have no savings at all. In fact, fellow states that 62% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings! 
Is it Possible to Break Out of the Rat Race?
This isn’t really a rant about becoming "rich" or a part of the uber-wealthy 1%. Being content with whatever you have is good. But the middle class is disappearing, and we are facing a 1% and 99% situation. The 99% are quickly finding they are being squeezed like the Matrix. _ Related: 7 Core Tenets of Investing Successful Wealth-Builders Know to Be True_Those at the top enjoy being able to live and explore the world, to try new things and create change in things they are passionate about, and to empower their kids to their full potential. Those are things worth fighting for in order to get ahead.So how do you break out of the rat race and change these dynamics?It’s hard. Consider that just to pay all of your taxes, you will probably work at least five months this year. The remaining months’ income can cover your bills. And if there is anything left over, you might get a few venti sized Frappuccinos or the great privilege to buy some of the overpriced products being advertised on TV.You can work hard. You can work three jobs, put in 100 hours a week, or even try to start your own business. More often than not, the cards are so stacked against you that you won’t gain any real and lasting traction.
Stop Spinning Your Wheels -- And Start Investing
The real key to changing this dynamic is to stop trying to work your way out of the hole. You must be able to generate income and wealth without it being tied to the amount you can physically work. At the same time, you also need to change the dynamics of the amount you are taxed in relation to how much you earn. That means working to acquire assets that will work for you, instead of you working for money. This is (and should be) urgent for everyone. You never know how long you’ll be able to keep on working. 